The best cars featured recently in Exec Digital

We revisit three of the best vehicles in the past few issues By Ben Lobel

July: 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

This one has been worth waiting for. Described as the most refined and technically advanced convertible Porsche has ever built, the 2009 Turbo Cabriolet is the last word in speed, precision and exhilaration. It combines the performance of the Turbo S Coupe with the versatility of an electric folding roof. The electro-hydraulic operation of the roof means the driver can open or close the top automatically in just 20 seconds. “But that could be 20 seconds of relentless storm!” I hear you scream. Well, you may get a little moisture on your summer power suit, but any adverse weather conditions won’t affect the handling of this ride. It boasts exceptional anti-lock brakes, and even if you did go spinning off into the tempest, the Turbo’s crumple-zone body structure will probably ensure that the injuries you pick up won’t be severe enough not to allow you to jump back behind the wheel to repeat the frivolous experience. The point is, it’s a sports car. Observe: 3.6 litre DOHC 24-valve turbocharged 6-cylinder engine capable of producing 415 bhp. 0-60 in approximately four seconds. As the website gushes, it’s power, it’s torque, it’s acceleration. Aesthetically, aerodynamically, resistance is futile.

Ferrari 599XX

Ferrari revealed something rather special at this year's Geneva motor show - the 599XX. The car is aimed at speed-addicts and uses the latest F1 technology to make this an extreme track car. Modifications to the standard 599, which is the prettiest Ferrari I think I’ve ever had the pleasure driving in, include a boost to maximum revs of 9,000 rpms, which will squeeze all the power possible from the vast V12 700-bhp engine. Due to go on sale at the end of this year, Ferrari will give each lucky buyer the opportunity of participating in a series of dedicated track days around the world. No price as yet, but expect something in excess of £250,000.

Aston Martin Rapide

For the CEO with an Aston back at home that only sees daylight at the weekend, here’s something that will make family life far more exciting. The Aston Martin Rapide was an ambitious project indeed. Aston have looked drop dead gorgeous with two doors for as long as I can remember. But four doors? Can it really work? Well, yes, it’s worked a treat. Described by some as ‘James Bond’s family car’, it looks like a Vantage with two extra ways in. But if your children don’t wipe their feet, you’ll have some serious prioritising to do.

Based on the DB9 and DBS chassis, the newcomer promises a unique blend of performance, space and style. Due to arrive on the roads in 2010, the first versions will be powered by a 6.0-litre V12, developing around 450bhp. However, further down the line, Aston is also hinting at a new hybrid models that will keep the green celebs and their very particular wives and offspring in California happy.

Not so reassuring for true Aston fans is that the Rapide is expected to be the first Aston Martin built outside the UK. The car is set to be assembled at Magna Steyr, in Austria.